June 14, 2009: Usk, WA to Clark Fork, ID
Prior to our ride today, we were all treated to an all-night concert by the Bullfrog Choir at the primitive Usk, Washington campsite. As a following act, we awoke to a steady drizzle that continued as we headed off toward Idaho. Once on the road, heavy rain showers began. Fortunately, Ann was able to meet us in Newport, WA with our rain gear. Predictably, once we geared-up and were on the road again, the rain stopped.
With the gear on, we crossed into Idaho, bidding fond farewell to the beautiful Washington countryside. Sandpoint, ID was our planned lunch stop, and we happened upon a place called the Spud Grill. The food was very good, especially the blackened salmon and the berry/apple crisp.
Upon leaving Sand Point, we continued on towards the Riverview RV park in Clark Fork, ID. Today’s ride seemed flat compared to all of the climbing that we have done during the first week of this ride. We did have some altitude change during the 80 mile ride, however.
Tomorrow, as quickly as we entered it, we will leave Idaho and cross into Montana. Our destination will be Libby, Montana; the route is supposed to be a challenge.
Today’s mileage: 79.8 miles. Elevation climbed: 2,375 feet.
A P.S. from Howard:
Hi everybody!! Just want to say thanks for all of the messages from you all. Keep them coming…Susan, Jan, John. Also….it is not getting much easier, but I am having a ball. I would not trade this trip for anything right now.
Hi all:
When does the downhill part start?
Went for a bike ride for about an hour yesterday,half way to the beach, and my ass still hurts. The hills here are devastating—almost like the rockies-HA.
Chicken and HH—you guys should remember the bridge to Sandpoint. About an hour north of Twin Lakes Village and just below Switzer.
Be safe and have fun!!!!!!!!!
Ed
Have been following your updates with interest, enjoying your commentary and photos. Hope you continue to have fun and (mostly) good weather. Though I live in Oregon most of my family is in eastern North Dakota and in Minnesota so will be most interested in your trek through that neighborhood. Good luck! Barbara
You guys are a bunch of resilient folks. Riding in the rain is no fun. I think I gave up on that when Carter was President. Besides, who wants to clean their bike after that?
Sounds like the skinny part of Idaho is flat. There are no mountains here in Connecticut and a typical 80 mile loop would involve more than 5,000 feet of climbing.
Since you are still breaking in your backsides, check that you packed the ‘Bag Balm’. In 1899 it was the best thing around for keeping Vermont Dairy Cows from being chapped. Today it is the word of mouth miracle cure for too much time in the saddle.
Enjoying the updates. Hoping I can join you for a few East Coast miles.
Chris DiMattio
You are all doing great! It looks like you’re having so much fun on this trip. Dad, BTW, LOVE the bra. 🙂 Can’t wait to see all of you and share some laughs and love.
-Eileen
to debbie and dennis davis!!!! We are soooo excited for you all. Same old stuff here at home. Church Mex trip starts tomorrow… Herb Hansen will go. We pray there will be no kissing pigs (swine flu) down there. We know the rain is no fun. Keeps you clean, like a group shower! KNOW that I am praying for the group, esp. on my early Wed. A.M. time with the LORD. Please post some pics, if you can… Claudio was by Sunday. love and kisses… if Den comes home for a “break” call and we can get together. Poss. July 18 ride and BBQ at the Schimke’s?
Hi Sue,
We thought of you and shared your blogs at the Pendleton PDs telehealth meeting . Had a new person from Boardman and Dee and Rod’s daughter with total of 11 attending. Good presentation and discussion following. We are more comfortable with each other at every meeting.
We are following your ride and enjoying comments from your fans.
Thanks to you and Mark for riding for us – it means so much to all of us.
Pendleton & friends PDs.
Hi all – I’ve been following the ride with envy. Herb has a great large map of your progress at the Round Up Athletic Club that is about as good as it gets in seeing the route as it is beginning to stretch out from Anacortes. I got word from the Asphalt Cowboy that you should eat lots. He says don’t get behind the calorie intake curve or you’ll be famished and stopping at every bakery and eating out the inventory to get the energy needed to do the long miles. He had the problem starting about the half way point on his ride
Mack
Boy, are we ever thinking about you guys. Hope tomorrow you make your 107 miles to Havre. Love you guys. Dave and Sally